Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 2)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Edmund Burke's schooldays at Ballitore

   Ballitore · town · Kildare · 1741–1744

   In 1741 the orator Edmund Burke and his brothers Garrett and Richard attended a school in Ballitore run by the Quaker Abraham Shackleton, remaining there until Burke entered Trinity College Dublin in 1744.

   Read the passage

   In 1741 the great orator Edmund Burke was in this neighbourhood, as he and his two brothers, Garrett and Richard, were all together at a school in Ballitore, kept by Abraham Shackleton, a member of the Society of Friends. He remained here till he entered Trinity College, Dublin, in 1744.

   In the Timolin Churchyard there are two objects of antiquarian interest — (1) the Knight's Effigy; and (2) the Kehoe Slab.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 288

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Ballitore in Kildare, you are near where Edmund Burke spent his schooldays. In 1741 he and his two brothers Garrett and Richard attended a school here kept by Abraham Shackleton, a member of the Society of Friends. Burke remained until he entered Trinity College Dublin in 1744.

2. Foundation and burial of Meiler FitzHenry at Great Connell Abbey

   Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1202–1220

   Meiler FitzHenry, twice Viceroy of Ireland, founded Great Connell Abbey in 1202 and was buried in its Chapter House upon his death in 1220; his tomb bore an inscription calling him the tameless tamer of the Irish nation.

   Read the passage

   Indomitus domitor totius gentis Hiberniae.”

   That is —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 208

3. Imprisonment of the Baron of Burnchurch using irons from Kilkea

   Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1532

   In 1532, the Baron of Burnchurch was captured near Castledermot by Cahir Mac Murrough, the Earl of Kildare's foster-brother, and taken to Bert Castle where irons brought from the Earl's manor of Kilkea were used to fasten him for a long period.

   Read the passage

   fosterbrother named Caliir M‘Enecrosse Mac Murrough, close to the gates of Castledermot. Caliir then ro<le to the Earl and consulted with him, alter which “ the Baron was conveyed further into the heart of the county of Kildare to a castle called Beerdys Castle, and irons were brought out of the Earl’s own manor of Kvikaa to make fast the Baron, where he was kept a long season, notwithstanding sundry requests and injunctions of the Deputy to the said Earl ; and finally the Baron lost his horse, his money, and his apparel without restitution, which is a good encouraging to malefactors to commit spoils, having the advantage thereof without punishment.”1

   In a “ Query ” on p. 148 of the Journal, information was asked as to the whereabouts of “ Beerd his Castle,” mentioned above. I have since identified it with Bert, which lies on the left bank of the Barrow, three miles above Athy, for the following reasons

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 10

4. Kavanaghs paid black rent to protect Barrow crossing at Leighlinbridge

   Leighlinbridge · town · Carlow · 1300–1533

   The Kavanaghs received an annual payment called 'black rent' from the Crown in exchange for protecting the King's subjects when they crossed the River Barrow at Leighlin Bridge, a practice that continued until it was forbidden by Act of Parliament in 1533.

   Read the passage

   outside were said to be “ inter Hibernicos,” dwelling among the Irish. About a century later, and only then, the name of “ Pale ” was given to it. In the “ State Papers/’ relating to the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII., under the date 1515, we find it limited to four counties, viz. : Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Uriel, now Louth. It is sometimes said to contain five counties; but then we must remember that it was only in the 34th of Henry VIII., i.e.y in 1543, Meath was divided into East Meath, which we now call Meath, and Westmeath, and that both were included within the Pale. Its exact limits are set down there : “ The English Pale doth stretche and extend from the town of Dundalk to the town of Derver (4 miles N.W. of Castle Bellingham), to the town of Ardee, always on the left side leaving the march on the right side, and so to the town of Sydan (4 miles S. W. of Nobber), to the town of Kenlis (Kells), to the town of Dengle (Dangan), to Kileocke, to the town of Clane, to the town of Naas, to the bridge of Kilcullen, to the town of Ballimore (Eustace), and so backward to the town of Ramore (Rathmore), and to the town of Rathcoule, to the town of Tallaght, and to the town of Dalkey, leaving always the marche on the right hand from the saide Dundalk, following the said course to the said town of Dalkye.” From this enumeration it is clear that considerable districts of these four counties were not included in the Pale. Within this territory, and only within it, did the justices and judges hold assize, and the sheriff enforce English law. These may be considered the limits of the Pale in a general way ; but at times it seems to have extended further ; thus we read in the Records for the 37th of Edward III. (1364) : “ To such a height had the power of the Kavanaghs and others arisen that the more distant districts of the Pale were then relinquished and the rest retained, for the barrier from Carlow to Dublin was ordered to be removed.” It was a common saying all this time that “ they dwelt beyond the law that dwelt west of the Barrow.” The Kavanaghs were paid an annual rent called “ black rent,” to protect the King’s subjects when crossing the Barrow at Leighlin Bridge. So too the O’Neills, O’Connors, and others received a sort of tribute from the Crown or from the English settled on the borders of the Pale, and the practise seems to have lasted till the 24th of Henry VIII. (1533), when it was forbidden by Act of Parliament to pay such tax further to the Irish. Yet, even in 1599, the Irish Council complained to Elizabeth that the English subjects still paid most oppressive black rents.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 42

5. Legend of Laeghaire's Death at Sidh-Nechtain

   Carbury · townland · Kildare · 458

   The Ard-righ Laeghaire, having broken an oath sworn by the elements not to exact the Boru tribute, was struck down by the elements themselves near Sidh-Nechtain (later Carbury) in 458, a spot the author associates with the area near Trinity Well.

   Read the passage

   The celebrated Laeghaire, who was Ard-righ of Ireland in the time of St. Patrick, having been forced by the men of Leinster to swear by the elements that he would never exact the Boru tribute, broke his oath, and, advancing into Leinster, made a raid on Sidh-Nechtain. For this he was struck down by a thunderbolt from heaven, or, according to another account, as he had sworn by the elements, the elements wreaked their vengeance on him ; that is, the air forsook him, the sun burned him, and the earth swallowed him, a.d. 458. The exact spot on which he fell has not, I believe, been identified. It was called Graillcich Daphill, nearLiffe, according to Keating.1 2 The “ Four Masters ” say it was situated between the hills Eire and Albha. F. Shearman3 tells us that Gfraillach Daphill means the swamp or miry place of Daphil, the lap dog of Boan above referred to, who, with his mistress, was borne on the waves of the Boyne to the sea. This would place the scene of his death near Trinity Well. Albha may be the hill of Allen, but Eire cannot yet be identified. In one of the so-called prophecies of St. Patrick, quoted by O’Curry,3 we read that Laeghaire shall be slain on the banks of the river Caise ; and the Four Masters tell us that he died by its side.4 About two miles south of Carbury, near Drummond House, a small river called the CusJmling crosses the road from Carbury to Allen ; and I strongly suspect this is the river referred to by the prophecy and by the Four Masters. The name of Sidh-Nechtain after the above date does not appear in our Annals, and we find the place henceforth called Carbury. This name is said to have been taken from Cairbre, one of the sons of Niall of the Nine Hostages, and brother of Laeghaire. Though Cairbre died without issue, he seems to have conquered this territory, and to have acquired it from some of his race. They wore afterwards called the O’Keareys, and their territory is always spoken of as “ Carbury of the O’Kearys,” Cairbre na Ciardha.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 68

6. Legend of the Devil and Tom Conolly at Castletown

   Castletown · street · Kildare

   A legend tells how Squire Tom Conolly of Castletown entertained a stranger at dinner after a hard day's hunting, only to discover the stranger had a cloven hoof. The eviction of the devilish guest reportedly required the parish priest of Kildrought to be summoned.

   Read the passage

   during the run ; after dinner, when the punch was being circulated, Squire Tom had occasion to stoop down to pick up his table-napkin, which had slipped under the table; he then perceived to his amazement that his friend the stranger, who was in a chair next to him, had one of his shoes off, and that a cloven hoof was visible ; the eviction of the stranger was only carried out after much time and trouble, when, as a last resource, the P.P. of Kildrought was sent for and put in an appearance. This tradition is introduced into a series of ballads by “a broth of a boy” (. . . Russell), called “the Kishogue Papers;”1

   the one in question is called “ The Devil and Tom Conolly,” and appeared at p. 677, vol. xxii, for the year 1843, of The Dublin University Magazine.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

   As the companion tells it

   Along here at Castletown, there's a legend about Squire Tom Conolly. After a hard day's hunting, he had a stranger at dinner, and when the punch was going round, Tom dropped his napkin under the table. He bent down to pick it up and saw the stranger had one shoe off, and a cloven hoof was visible. Evicting the stranger took much time and trouble, and it was only when the parish priest of Kildrought was sent for that the business was settled. The tradition was made into a ballad called "The Devil and Tom Conolly," which appeared in the Dublin University Magazine in 1843.

7. Poul-gyleen and the monster guardian of treasure on the Barrow

   Grangemellon · townland · Kildare

   At a deep hole in the River Barrow near Grangemellon called Poul-gyleen, a swimmer named Maloney dived to free a net and encountered a fish-like monster with a head like a bullock's guarding what was believed to be a great treasure at the foot of underwater steps. The net was found torn as if by the creature, and the mystery was never solved.

   Read the passage

   Poul-gyleen. — The course of the River Barrow, where it runs between Kilmorony House and “ Sallinger’s ” (St. Leger’s) Castle ruins at Grangemellon, is divided into two or three channels by some sally-grown islands, just below which is a deep hole in the river called “Poul-gyleen,”1 a name which (according to Dr. Joyce) appropriately means — the Hole of the River-fork. In connection with this spot the following adventure is related : — More than seventy years ago a party of men from Atliy proceeded in a boat to net the river ; on reaching Poul-gyleen the net stuck fast in some obstruction below, and as none of the party were able to swim, a guinea was offered to anyone who would dive down and release the net. A noted swimmer named Maloney, a carpenter by trade, then employed at Kilmorony House, accepted the offer, and down he dived. Presently, when he came to the surface for want of breath, he said he noticed that the net was caught round an iron stump fixed into a large stone at the head of a flight of steps leading downwards. A second time he dived down, and while below the boat-party noticed the net to move violently, and then suddenly give way ; immediately afterwards Maloney reappeared with a look of terror on his face. He was pulled into the boat, and then he told them the cause of his fright. He said that, while disengaging the net from round the iron stump, a fish-like monster, with two great eyes and a head like a bullock’s, made a charge at him, got entangled in the net, but after a short struggle got free,

   1 The derivation of this name given on p. 99 of the 1st volume of The Journal, is wrong.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 267

8. Robert Bruce burns and encamps at Leixlip in 1317

   Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1317

   During his invasion of Ireland in 1317, Robert Bruce proceeded from Castleknock to Naas and encamped at Leixlip for four days, during which his forces burnt part of the town and broke down and spoiled the church.

   Read the passage

   In the year 1317 Robert Bruce, during his invasion of Ireland, proceeded from Castleknock to Naas, and, according to “ Camden’s Chronicles,” encamped at Leixlip for four days, during which time “ they burnt part of the towne, brake downe the church and spoiled it, and afterwards marched on toward the Nas.”

   1463. In this year it was enacted by Parliament that the Church of St. Columb, in this county, should be annexed to the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin near Leixlip ; no other mention has been found of this religious house.2 On the townland called Newtown, between the town of Leixlip and the railway, there is a holy well dedicated to St. Columbkill ; the Church of St. Columb may formerly have stood in its vicinity.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 270

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Leixlip, you are on ground where Robert Bruce encamped for four days in 1317. He was invading Ireland, and had marched from Castleknock toward Naas. According to Camden's Chronicles, his forces "burnt part of the towne, brake downe the church and spoiled it" before marching on toward Naas.

9. Young Laurence held as hostage at Brittas

   Brittas · townland · Wicklow

   As a boy, Laurence was given as hostage to Dermot McMurrough and dwelt at Brittas for two years, where he was treated with great cruelty before being restored to his father.

   Read the passage

   For two years the young boy dwelt at Brittas, treated with great cruelty by Dermot. He was only restored to his father at the end of that time, who, learning the miserable condition of his son, seized on twelve of Dermot’s kinsmen and threatened to put them to death unless his son was returned to him unharmed. He was then sent to the bishop of Glendalough, to be instructed. There, after a time, he took the religious habit, and became a monk.

   In 1157, in his thirtieth year, on the death of the Abbot Gilla-da-Naomh, Laurence was chosen to take his place. On the death of Gregory, Archbishop of Dublin, four years later, Laurence, whose holiness and prudence had already become well known, was chosen unanimously to succeed him. He was consecrated in Christ Church in 1162, by Gilla MacDe, better known as Gelasius the Primate, and the following year he introduced into the Church the Canons of St. Victor, called Aroasians, from Aroase. He became a member of their community, observing most strictly all that the rule prescribed.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 107

10. Brian Boru Curses the O'Kearys and Men of Carbury

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1014

    Before the Battle of Clontarf, Brian Boru learned that Aedh, son of Ualgharg Ua Ciardha, king of Carbury, refused to join him in battle, whereupon Brian cursed the O'Kearys and the men of Carbury.

    Read the passage

    Clontarf, and that when Brian asked him what news he brought, he told him that Aedh, son of Ualgharg XJa Ciardha, king of Car bury, refused to accompany him to battle in defence of Brian. Thereupon Brian cursed the O’Kearys and the men of Carbury.

    At the period of the English invasion, Carbury was given to Meiler Fitz Henry. In the old Anglo-Norman poem, generally spoken of as the composition of Maurice Began, interpreter to King Dermot Mac Murrogh, we read : “ Carbry he (Stron gbow) gave to the good Meiler who was such a noble Lord.” Giraldus Cambrensis1 says that “he gave in fee to Meiler as Lord Marcher the remoter cantred of Ophelan.” Carbury was outside Ophelan, but we need not trouble ourselves with the geography of Giraldus Cambrensis, which was as loose as his tongue. He tells us, later on, that in 1181, “Kildare, and the adjacent country granted by the Earl (Strongbow), was taken from Meiler by John Constable of Chester, and Bichard Le Pec, Governors of Ireland at that time, and that Meiler received Leix in exchange. This again would show that Giraldus considered Kildare to be in Ophelan, while in reality it was in Ophaly. Most likely he confused Ophelan with Offaly.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 69

11. Captain Tucker lodges at Leixlip Castle, 1642

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1642

    Captain William Tucker recorded in his journal that on 8 December 1642 he travelled from Dublin toward Naas with the Marquess of Ormonde and about 160 horse, lodging the first night at Leixlip Castle, then held in custodium by Lord Lisle since Sir Nicholas White was a prisoner in Dublin Castle.

    Read the passage

    “ The 8th December, 1642 We set forward a jorneyfrom Dublin for the Nasse in company with the Lord Marquess of Ormonde. We had about one hundred and sixty horse. The first night we lodged at Leixlip, a castle belonging to Sir Nicholas White, now a prisoner in the Castle at Dublin ; this and many others the Lord Lisle hath in custodium to the valew of two thousand pounds per annum. The next day we rode to the Nasse, where we were entertained by Sir Arthur Loftus. We stayd there one night, and so returned to Dublin ; in this jorney we mett with none of the rebells, as we desired.”

    In the month of November, 1646, the Confederate Catholics marched upon Dublin, under two Generals, Preston2 and Owen roe O’Neill.3 They took up their position in the neighbourhood of Lucan and Leixlip on the Liffey. Unfortunately they were on terms the reverse of friendly, so that any plan of operations suggested by the one was sure to be opposed by the other There was no commander-in-chief — a fatal error, but one which could not be remedied, on account of the jealousies existing between the generals. Some historians speak of the Nuncio as commander-in-chief; but from a military point of view he was nothing of the kind. Ormonde was in Dublin ; Digby, the king's secretary and trusted minister, was with Preston in Leixlip Castle, where that commander had fixed his headquarters ; and Clanrickarde was constantly passing and repassing between the two places, carrying on a correspondence, of which the Nuncio and Owen roe O’Neill were kept in almost complete ignorance. Some proposals were made to the Confederates, whilst Digby endeavoured to detach Preston from them altogether. To create division and promote delay were the two great objects Ormonde had in view, as he was at the same time in treaty with Commissioners from the English Parliament about the surrender to them of Dublin, which he very soon after carried into effect. A black treason it was to

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 275

12. Danish fleet destroys Kildare by fire and sword in 836

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 836

    A Danish fleet of 30 sail arrived in the Liffey and another in the Boyne; among other places they destroyed Kildare by fire and sword, carrying away the rich shrines of St. Brigid and St. Conlaedh.

    Read the passage

    836 a.d. “ A Danish fleet of 30 sail arrived in the Liffey, and another in the Boyne ; they destroyed, amongst other places, Kildare by fire and sword, and carried away the rich shrines of St. Brigid and St. Oonlaedh.”

    868 a.d. The Church of Kildare was rebuilt by Queen Flanna, wife of Aedth Finliath, King of Ireland.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    You're nearing Kildare town. In 836 a Danish fleet of 30 sail arrived in the Liffey, and another in the Boyne. They destroyed Kildare by fire and sword, and carried away the rich shrines of St. Brigid and St. Oonlaedh. Just over 30 years later, in 868, the Church of Kildare was rebuilt by Queen Flanna, wife of Aedth Finliath, King of Ireland.

13. Footprints of St. Patrick on Knockpatrick

    Knockpatrick · townland · Kildare

    On the summit of Knockpatrick near Castledermot, a sunken granite rock bears impressions of two feet and a staff mark, said by local tradition to have been made by St. Patrick when he preached to the natives there; it is claimed no one's feet have ever fitted the marks despite many trying.

    Read the passage

    small round hollow. According to the local tradition, these impressions were caused by the feet and the butt of the staff of St. Patrick when he stood and preached here to the natives on his way from Meath to the district of Hy-Kinselagh ; it is said that no feet have fitted these marks, though many people, big and small, have tried them.

    On the south side of, and close to,, the churchyard is a well dedicated to St. Patrick, and close to it again is a rath ; neither of these interesting objects is marked on the Ordnance Survey maps of the 6 in. scale.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

14. Hand-guns astonish onlookers at Thomas Court residence

    Thomas Court · street · Dublin · 1488

    Around 1488 a present of six hand-guns was sent to the Earl of Kildare from Germany, and sentries armed with them at his residence at Thomas Court caused much astonishment to passers-by, the weapon being all but unknown in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    Under the year 1488, the “ Annals of the Four Masters” notify the destruction of the Castle of Balrath, Co. Westmeath, belonging to the sons of Murtagh MacGeoghegan, by a plundering army under the Earl, who brought ordnance to bear against it. This is the first allusion to the use of cannon in the Annals. About this time, too, a present of six hand-guns was sent to the Earl from Germany, and as this weapon was all but unknown in Ireland, the sentries over the Earl’s residence at Thomas Court armed with them caused much astonishment to the passers-by.

    In 1489, the Earl’s enemies in Ireland petitioned the King to grant them preferment in order to counterbalance his influence. The King in consequence summoned all the lords of Ireland to his Court at Greenwich and gave the Earl precedence ; he received them all graciously, but among other things remarked of those who had supported Simnel, that “ they would at last crown apes, should he be long absent.” Afterwards he entertained them at a splendid banquet, where he caused Simnel to wait upon them as butler.1

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Thomas Court in Dublin, you are passing the site of the Earl of Kildare's residence, where something remarkable happened around 1488. A present of six hand-guns arrived from Germany for the Earl, and because this weapon was all but unknown in Ireland, the sentries guarding his residence armed with them caused astonishment among passers-by. The same year, the Earl brought ordnance to bear against the Castle of Balrath in Westmeath, belonging to the sons of Murtagh MacGeoghegan, which the Annals of the Four Masters record as the first allusion to the use of cannon. The following year his enemies in Ireland petitioned the King to counterbalance his influence, but at Greenwich the King gave the Earl precedence over them all, remarking that those who had supported Simnel would at last crown apes should he be long absent.

15. Insult at Trim reignites Birmingham-O'Connor war

    Trim · town · Meath · 1443

    In 1443 a Birmingham heir entered Trim under safe conduct but was insulted by a Barnewall who struck him on the nose; he left in anger and allied again with O'Connor of Offaly, reigniting war against the Pale.

    Read the passage

    In 1443, however, the whole family were once more in revolt. In that year the son of the chief Birmingham entered the town of Trim under a safe conduct of the Earl of Ormonde. One of the Barnewalls, Treasurer of Trim, contemptuously gave him a stroke of his finger on the nose. Thereupon young Birmingham left the town, and went straight to O’Connor of Offaly. The two families once more united, and war against the Bale was again declared. This war was called by the

    1 Pat. Roll, 5 Rich. II. 69.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Trim, a town the road passes through. Back in 1443, the son of the chief Birmingham came here under safe conduct from the Earl of Ormonde. But one of the Barnewalls, who was Treasurer of Trim, struck the young man on the nose in contempt. Birmingham left in anger and went straight to O'Connor of Offaly. The two families united once more, and war against the Pale was declared again.

16. Oliver Sutton complains of William Brymycham's oppression at Carbury

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1537

    In 1537 Oliver Sutton of Richardstown reported to King Henry VIII's commissioners on the oppression of English landholders by William Brmycham of Carbery, who exacted coyne and livery and harsh dues from tenants throughout the barony of Carbury, known as the Brymycham country.

    Read the passage

    William, living like an Irish chieftain, had exacted coyne and livery (free quarters for man and horse), as well upon the king’s lands as upon other gentlemen’s lands, and all manner of works upon the tenants upon their own charges, had made his tenants give him sixteen quarts to the gallon, whether it be of ale or butter, and bad a gallon of butter upon every cow in his lordship. This curious document proceeds : “ Item, he giveth commandment and maketh it for a lawe throweout the barony of Carbre, called the B/ymycham country, that no man shall [bring] any manner of thinge that they have to any market, but onely to his wif, and she to make the price.”

    “ Item, William Brymycham taketh theves, and letteththem goo at his pleasure, so as they fyne with him (i.e. they paid fines for their release) . Item, no we of late there was two stronge theves taken by the king’s tenants in harvest, of which one of them is no we with my Lord Deputie, and the other, the strongest thief and a gentylman borne, which William Brymycham sent for him and let him goo, because he was Cayre Occoner’s servant.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 75

17. Origin of Tea-lane name in Celbridge

    Celbridge · town · Kildare

    A lane leading to the old Kildrought churchyard in Celbridge, formerly called Church-lane, became known as Tea-lane because Irish inhabitants were astonished at the quantity of tea drunk by English mill workers housed nearby in English-row, evidenced by discarded tea leaves.

    Read the passage

    Tee-, or Tea-, lane in Celbridge ? — On page 201, vol. ii. of the Journal, there is a doubt expressed as to whether the lane leading to the old (Kildrought) churchyard is “ Tee-lane,” or. “ Tea-lane.” The following extract, from a letter written by Mrs. Thorold from Donacomper, sets the matter at rest. “The right name is Tea-lane,” she writes, “ and the origin of it is that when Mr. Shaw was starting the mill, his partner, an Englishman named Haughton, brought over a lot of English mill hands, for whom he built a row of superior cottages still called { English-row.’ The backs of these cottages came near to ‘ Tea-lane,’ then called 1 Church-lane,’ and the Irish inhabitants of the latter were so astonished at the quantity of Tea that the well-todo English drank (as evidenced by the amount of tea leaves thrown out at the back of * English-row’) that the lane soon became known as Tea-lane.1 I have always heard it so called, and the explanation of the name has just been confirmed by Mrs. Barker, of Ardrass House, near Straffan, who is old enough to remember my great-grandfather (the Very Rev. Thomas Trench, Dean of Kildare, who died in 1834). Our old coachman, who came to my grandfather, and has been here for 64 years, remembers it too, and says Tea was a luxury unknown to the Irish then ; he remembers being sent by his mother to buy one ounce of tea, the price of which was then 6d”

    Archaeological Jottings. — In answer to the question in the Second Humber, of vol. ii. of the Kildare Archeological Journal, as to the date on which a Pattern used to be held at the well of Tobereendownagh (the correct pronunciation as given by the natives) in the townland of Ricardstown, I have to state that the well has been practically dry for many years. Up to thirty years ago there was a good spring and a fall stream from it, but since then it contains nothing but the surface water from an adjacent field which is on a higher level. This has been attributed to the washing in it, by a neighbouring woman, of some dirty linen.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 185

18. Waterford men destroy O'Driscoll castles at Baltimore in 1537

    Baltimore · townland · Cork · 1537

    Exasperated by the plunder of a merchantman, the mayor of Waterford assembled a fleet with 400 men under bailiff Woolock and James Sherlock, who destroyed the castles of the O'Driscolls of Baltimore, burned their galleys and pinnaces, and plundered their territory.

    Read the passage

    becometh them to do according to ther callinge, and upon them they shall weare no costlie liatt bands or cap bands of gold treede, the mayorases only excepted.”1 Our merchant of those days must not only be an expert in the counting-house, but he must also be a good soldier, and the mayor should be ready at a moment’s notice to put himself at the head of the trained hands, to repel the enemies of his city. Many were the battles the good citizens of Waterford fought against their enemies the Powers, who were lords paramount of the county, and the O’Driscolls of Baltimore, in the county Cork, who seem to have been very much like a band of pirates, until in 1537, exasperated by the plunder of one of their merchantmen, the mayor assembled a little fleet, consisting of the great galley of the city and two other ships well appointed with artillery and 400 men under the command of bailiff Woolock as chief captain, James Sherlock and others, and with this little force the W aterford men destroyed the castles, burned the galley s and pinnaces and plundered the territory of this sept. We do not hear that the O’JDriscolls ever molested Waterford after that defeat.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1537, the O'Driscolls of Baltimore met the full force of Waterford. They had been preying on shipping like a band of pirates, and the citizens of Waterford had had enough. The breaking point came when they plundered one of Waterford's merchantmen. The mayor assembled a little fleet: the great galley of the city and two other ships, well appointed with artillery, carrying 400 men. Bailiff Woolock was chief captain, with James Sherlock and others under him. With this force the Waterford men destroyed the castles of the O'Driscolls, burned their galleys and pinnaces, and plundered their territory. You do not hear that the O'Driscolls ever molested Waterford after that defeat.

19. Archbishop John Alen murdered by followers of Silken Thomas

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1581

    John Alen, Archbishop of Dublin, was murdered on 28 July 1581 by two yeomen of Dublin, followers of the Silken Thomas, and was a cousin of the Alen brothers of Castletown and Kilteel.

    Read the passage

    John Alen, Archbishop of Dublin, who was murdered on the 28th July, 1581, by two yeomen of Dublin — John Reeling and Nicholas Wafer — who were followers of the Silken Thomas, was a cousin of the above-named brothers, and a brother of Thomas Alen, of Rayleigh, in Essex.2

    William Alen of “ Castleton of Kildroght” married Margaret . . . and from him were descended the Alens of Palmers-

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 250

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are on ground where Archbishop John Alen was murdered on 28 July 1581. Two Dublin yeomen, John Reeling and Nicholas Wafer, followers of Silken Thomas, killed him. He was a cousin of the Alen brothers of Castletown and Kilteel, and a brother of Thomas Alen of Rayleigh in Essex.

20. Baron de Robeck drowned in the Liffey at Leixlip, 1856

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1856

    In autumn 1856 John Michael Henry, Baron de Robeck, then a tenant of Leixlip Castle, was drowned in the Liffey during a great flood; he had served as High Sheriff for Kildare, Dublin and Wicklow, and was buried in Maynooth Church tower.

    Read the passage

    In the autumn of 1856, John Michael Henry, Baron de Robeck, then a tenant of the Castle, was drowned in the Liffey during a great flood. He was High Sheriff for the County Kildare in 1834, for the County Dublin in 1838, and for the County Wicklow in 1839. His remains were deposited in the vault in the Maynooth Church tower.

    In 1878 Captain the Honourable Cornwallis Maude, son and heir to the Earl of Montalt, took up his residence in the Castle after his marriage in this year. When the Boer war broke out, he volunteered for service, and was numbered with the dead after the disastrous Majuba Hill affair on the 27th February, 1881.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Leixlip, the Liffey runs through this town, and in the autumn of 1856 it took the life of John Michael Henry, Baron de Robeck. He was a tenant of Leixlip Castle at the time and was drowned during a great flood. He had served as High Sheriff for County Kildare in 1834, for County Dublin in 1838, and for County Wicklow in 1839. His remains were placed in the vault of the Maynooth Church tower.

21. Building of Dunamase Castle by William de Broase

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois · 1250

    Eva, youngest daughter of William Marshall, was given the Manor of Dunamase in Leix and married William de Broase, who built the present ruins of the castle on the Rock of Dunamase around 1250.

    Read the passage

    In the latter end of the twelfth century most of the province of Leinster passed into the possession of Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, nicknamed “ Strongbow,” by his marriage with Eva, daughter and heiress of Dermot M‘Murrough, the last of the native kings of Leinster. The result of this marriage was an only daughter, Isabel, who married William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke (called, in Hanmer’s History of Ireland, William Maxfield, Earl Marshall of England), who thus succeeded to the lordship of Leinster. Their children consisted of five sons and five daughters ; the sons all died childless, and so Leinster was divided by King John amongst the five daughters, to the youngest of whom, Eva, was portioned off the Manor of Duuamase, in Leix. She married William de Broase (or Breouse), Lord of Brecknock, in Wales, and by him the present ruins of Castle, on the Rock of Dunamase, were built, about the year 1250. Their daughter Matilda married Lord Roger de Mortimer, who eventually succeeded to the above manor.

    In the year 1225, the king issued a mandate to Earl William Marshall, justiciary of Ireland, to cause Richard de St. Michael to have, during pleasure, out of the king’s escheats in Ireland, £20 worth of laud, to maintain him in the king’s service (April 22). In the following year (1226) the king issued another mandate to Greoffrey de Mariscis, lord

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the Rock of Dunamase rises, and on it stand the ruins of a castle built around 1250 by William de Broase. The story of how it came to him runs back to the late twelfth century, when most of Leinster passed to Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, called Strongbow, through his marriage to Eva, daughter and heiress of Dermot McMurrough, the last of the native kings of Leinster. They had one daughter, Isabel, who married William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, and so the lordship of Leinster passed to him. William Marshall and Isabel had five sons and five daughters. The sons all died childless, and King John divided Leinster among the five daughters. The youngest, also named Eva, was given the Manor of Dunamase in Leix. She married William de Broase, Lord of Brecknock in Wales, and he built the castle whose ruins stand on the Rock of Dunamase, about the year 1250. Their daughter Matilda married Lord Roger de Mortimer, who eventually succeeded to the manor.

22. Burial of Lord Peter de Bermingham at Grey Abbey

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1308

    In 1308 Lord Peter de Bermingham, described as a victorious leader against the Irish and 'no small scourge to the Irish,' was buried at the Franciscan house in Kildare.

    Read the passage

    In 1308 Lord Peter de Bermingham was buried here. One writer says he was a victorious leader against the Irish, and Holinshed speaks of him as “ one that hath been no small scourge to the Irish.”

    In 1310 a Provincial Chapter of the Order was held here. In 1385 Friar Andrew Leynagh, guardian of this house of Friars Minors at Kildare, was sent as the King’s ambassador to the islands of Scotland to treat with John Lord of the Isles about various matters concerning his estate.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Kildare, this town held a Franciscan house where Lord Peter de Bermingham was buried in 1308. One writer calls him a victorious leader against the Irish, and Holinshed speaks of him as "one that hath been no small scourge to the Irish." The house saw more. A Provincial Chapter was held here in 1310, and in 1385 Friar Andrew Leynagh, guardian here, was sent as the King's ambassador to the islands of Scotland to treat with John Lord of the Isles.

23. Capture of Bert Castle in 1642 and hanging of rebels

    Bert · electoral division · Kildare · 1642

    A castle formerly stood at Bert, on the Barrow above Athy, which was captured in 1642 by a detachment of Sir Charles Coote's force, and eight rebels found inside were hanged.

    Read the passage

    (2) A castle formerly stood at Bert, which was captured in 1642 by a detachment of Sir Charles Coote’s force, and eight rebels found in it were hanged. Vide Cox’s “ Hibernia Anglicana.”

    (o) BeafForte, alias Beardth, alias Bearte, is mentioned in the county Kildare Chancery Inquisitions as passing during the sixteenth century into the hands of Humphrey Macworth, who was slain in Ireland about 15S2, and who had purchased it from Thomas Wolfe ; these lands being held from the Earl of Kildare.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 10

24. Confederate recapture of Timolin Castle without a blow

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1643

    A few months after the massacre, the Confederate Catholic leaders Captain Gerald 'Crone' FitzGerald and Pierce FitzGerald (alias McThomas) summoned the Parliamentarian-held Timolin Castle, which surrendered without resistance and was allowed to march away, after which the castle was restored to its rightful owner Christopher Archbold.

    Read the passage

    A few months later the Castle of Timolin, then in the hands of the Parliamentarians, was summoned by the Confederate Catholics under two noted leaders — a Captain Gerald “ Crone ” (i.e., swarthy) FitzGerald, who had served in Flanders under Owen Roe O’Neill: though a Kildare man, he spoke broken English, owing to the length of his service abroad ; he was killed at the battle of Lynch’s Knock, County Meath, in 1647. The other leader was known as McThomas, an assumed name, as his real name was Pierce FitzGerald (the son of Garrett FitzGerald, by his wife Cicely, daughter of James FitzGerald, of Drynanstown), whose family had for ages been seated at Ballyshannon in the County Kildare, but which was now forfeited, owing to Pierce being outlawed for treason in 1641. The Parliamentary force in Timolin surrendered without a blow, and was allowed to march away with its arms and baggage. On its departure, Pierce Fitz- Gerald restored the Castle to his brother-in-law, Christopher Archbold, its rightful owner.1

    From this period nothing worthy of note occurred at Timolin till the Rebellion of ’98, when it suffered greatly from both parties.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 288

25. Danish plundering and destruction of Kildare monastery

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 835–998

    The monastery of Kildare, being near the seaboard, was one of the first places attacked by the Danes, who plundered it repeatedly from 835 onwards, including destroying it by fire and sword and taking away the shrines of St. Bridget and St. Conlaeth in 836.

    Read the passage

    The Monastery of Kildare, being so near the seaboard, was one of the first places attacked by the Danes. In 835 the Oratory of Kildare was plundered by the foreigners of Inver De (probably Wicklow). In 836 a Danish fleet arrived in the Liffey ; and those who came on it destroyed Kildare by fire and sword, and took away the shrines of St. Bridget and St.Conlaeth. Again in 843 it was plundered by the foreigners, and in 883, 887, 895, 915, 916, 924, 926, 927, 928, 940, 962, 977, 981, 998. Some of the Irish chiefs, who seem to have learned the lesson from the Danes, ravaged it too. Then, in 835, Teedleneedh, King of Cashel, seized Forame, Abbot of Armagh, and all the congregation of Patrick there. In 927 it was plundered by the Danes of Dublin under Godfrey. And in 1155 the Abbess of Kildare was forcibly taken from her cloister by Dermot McMorrough, and compelled to marry one of her people, at whose taking he killed 170 of the townsmen and house.

    We read also that Kildare was burned several times. The buildings being then usually of wood, fell easily ; but they were at least as readily re -erected.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 204

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kildare town, you're passing near the site of an ancient monastery that suffered more raids than almost any place in Ireland. Being close to the seaboard, it was one of the first targets of the Danes. In 835 the oratory was plundered by foreigners from Inver De, probably Wicklow. The next year was worse: a Danish fleet arrived in the Liffey, and those who came on it destroyed Kildare by fire and sword, carrying off the shrines of St. Bridget and St. Conlaeth. After that the raids kept coming, in 843, and again in 883, 887, 895, 915, 916, 924, 926, 927, 928, 940, 962, 977, 981, and 998. In 927 it was plundered by the Danes of Dublin under Godfrey. Some Irish chiefs learned from the Danes and ravaged it too. The buildings were usually of wood, so they fell easily to fire, but were at least as readily rebuilt.

26. Descendants of highwaymen at 'the concealments'

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare

    Some of the inhabitants of the swampy locality called 'the concealments,' between Monasterevin and Rathangan, are said to be descendants of the highwaymen who once fled there after robberies to escape pursuit through the bogs.

    Read the passage

    “ The race of the black pig ” has some connexion probably with “ the valley of the black pig,” the latter I believe being identical with the “ murdering hollow” near the old Police Barrack. I heard the story of it when a child, but have lost all recollection of the particulars. The ‘‘murdering hollow” was so called because of the great number of highwaymen who from time to time plied their trade there, conspicuous among them being one called the “ morning star.” After securing their booty they invariably fled to “ the concealments ” (hence the name), a low and swampy locality between Monasterevin and Bathangan. Once there, pursuit was useless as they could travel through bogs, with short intervals, from thence to Philipstown. Up to seventy years ago there was no direct road from Monasterevin to Bathangan. It is said that some, at least, of the inhabitants of “ the concealments” are the descendants of these highwaymen.

    I have heard that “ the leap of Allen ” was so called because Finn M‘Coole used to exercise his hounds by jumping them over a chasm or valley there.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 186

27. Fierce encounter with Plunket near Trim

    Trim · town · Meath

    While travelling with twelve horsemen near Trim, the Earl encountered Plunket with an escort of twenty men and made such a furious charge that Plunket and most of his men fell.

    Read the passage

    he with safety remain three nights running in the same house in his own county. At length, while travelling with twelve horsemen near Trim, he encountered Plunket with an escort of twenty, and, so furious was the charge he made on them, that Plunket and most of his men fell.

    The Earl also had a quarrel with his former friend John Pain, Bishop of Meath, and one day pursued him into a church where he had fled for sanctuary. The Earl ordered him to come out, and on his refusal entered, sword in hand, and going to where the Bishop was kneeling in the chancel, swore : “ By St. Bride ! were it not he knew his Prince would be offended with him, he could find it in his heart to lay his sword on his shaven crown.” The Earl then dragged him from the church and kept him prisoner until the Lord Deputy demanded his release.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this is where the Earl, travelling with twelve horsemen, ran into Plunket and his escort of twenty men. He made such a furious charge that Plunket and most of his men fell. The Earl had a quarrel too with his former friend John Pain, Bishop of Meath. One day he pursued the Bishop into a church where he had fled for sanctuary. The Earl ordered him out, and when he refused, went in sword in hand. The Bishop was kneeling in the chancel, and the Earl swore, "By St. Bride! were it not he knew his Prince would be offended with him, he could find it in his heart to lay his sword on his shaven crown." He dragged the Bishop from the church and kept him prisoner until the Lord Deputy demanded his release.

28. Kildare wounded by O'Mores while watering horse at Kilkea

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1513

    In 1513 the Earl of Kildare, en route to reduce a castle of the O'Carrolls, reached Kilkea and was watering his horse in the river Greese when he was fired upon by a party of O'Mores and badly wounded.

    Read the passage

    In 1513 the Earl was on his way to the (present) King’s County to reduce a castle of the O’Carroll’s called Lemy vannau, i.e. O’Banan’s Leap, but now known under the translated name of “Leap Castle.” He had got as far as Kilkea, and was watering his horse in the river Grreese, when he was fired at by a party of the O’Mores and was badly wounded. By slow

    1 Recte, 1170.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 90

29. Mary Bermingham's tomb inscription at Duleek Church

    Duleek · town · Meath · 1691–1692

    Mary Bermingham of Dunfert, wife of John Lord Bellew who was wounded at the Battle of Aughrim in 1691 and died in London the following January, repaired a tomb and vault in the south aisle of Duleek Church where his corpse was later brought to rest.

    Read the passage

    This tomb hath been repaired and the vault made by Dame Mary Bermingham of Dunfert, wife to John Lord Bellew, who was shot in the belly in Aughrim fight The 12th of July, 1691. As soon as he found himself able to undertake a journey, he went with his Lady to London, where he died, the 12th of January, 1692. He was laid in a vault in Westminster, till the April following, his corpse was brought hither.

    I regret that this quaint inscription is the last quotation I can find throwing any light on the history of this remarkable Anglo-Irish sept. We can trace their story no further, and their name is no longer found in the pages of our Annals. They were eminently “ men of war,” and for 500 years held their ground against all comers in the County of Kildare and its borders, but in the terrible confiscations of the 17th century they lost all they had, and the places that once knew them know them now no more.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 77

30. Monument to the Henzey family at Feenagh

    Feenagh · townland · Limerick · 1762

    Florence Henzey, MD, having escaped execution for treason, caused a monument to be erected at Feenagh in 1762 to the memory of his father, brother, mother and sister. It was known locally as Dean Henzey's tomb.

    Read the passage

    Memoirs of Life and Treasonable Practices of Florence Henzey, m.d.,” &c.; London : Bailey & Co., 1758 ; from the “ Trial of Florence Henzey, m.d., for High Treason,” London, 1758; from the “ Annual Register,” pp. 97-99; and from The Gentleman's Magazine, 1758, pp. 240, 287-8, 337-8, and 1759, p. 433. His crime was supplying the French Government with full information as to the capacity, numbers, and movements of the British fleet — information which was supposed to have frustrated the then projected attack on La Rochelle. The news was gleaned by constant attendance at the coffee-houses, where he was conspicuous for his loud professions of loyalty to the king. Suspicion was, however, excited by his daily presence at the Popish mass-house in Soho Square, and his regular correspondence with the Continent ; his movements were watched, his letters opened, and their treasonable character made manifest, especially those directed to his brother, who was Chaplain and Under- Secretary to the Spanish Minister at the Hague. He was tried by Lord Mansfield, and sentenced to be executed at Tyburn on the 12th July, 1758. He was, however, reprieved on that very day, to the great disappointment of the crowd who had assembled to witness his execution. A riot ensued, which, however, did not prevent his being pardoned on the 7th September, 1759. The last we hear of him is that in 1762 he caused a monument to be erected at Feenagh to the memory of his father, brother, mother, and sister — a monument generally known to the country people as Dean Henzey’s tomb, from which we may presume that he took Holy Orders.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 280

31. O'Keary King of Carbury Joins Leinster Revolt Against Brian Boru

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1012

    Around 1012, the chieftains of Leinster, including Ualgarg O'Keary, king of Carbry na Ciardha, allied against Brian Boru; Ualgharg Ua Ciardha, lord of Cairbre, was later slain along with many others in a subsequent battle against Malachy's forces.

    Read the passage

    Under the date 1012, the Four Masters write: “A great depredation was committed by Ualgarg Ua Ciardha, lord of Cairbre, and by the son of Niall O’Ruairc and the men of Teathbha in Gailenga [i.e. the barony of Morgallion Meath), but a few good men of the house of (Malachy) Maelseachlainn overtook them, and, being at the time intoxicated after drinking, they (imprudently) gave battle through pride. There were slain, Donnchadh, son of Maelseachlainn, . . . Donuchadh, son of Donnchadh Finn, royal heir of Teambhair (Tara), and many others along with them. Maelseachlainn afterwards overtook them with his forces, and the spoils were left behind to him ; and Ualgharg Ua Ciardha, lord of Cairbre, and many others besides him were slain.”

    Donnchadh, the royal heir, was a grandson of Malachy.2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 69

32. Sheela-na-Gig at Blackhall castle near Calverstown

    Blackhall · townland · Kildare

    A Sheela-na-Gig, an undraped grotesque female figure carved in stone associated with belief in the Evil Eye, is built into the walls of the old FitzEustace castle of Blackhall near Calverstown, said to be the only such figure in County Kildare.

    Read the passage

    “ Sheelah-na-Gig.’' — This term is applied to those undraped female figures grotesquely cut in stone, which are generally found built into the walls of primitive church ruins, and sometimes in old castles. Their meaning is still a mystery, though they are associated with the belief in the Evil Eye. There is one in the old FitzEustace castle of Blackball, near Calverstown (though not in its original position). It is, I believe, the only Sheelali-na-Grig in the County Kildare.

    A list of them is given in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, Ire., for the year 1894,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 225

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Blackhall, a Sheela-na-Gig is built into the walls of the old FitzEustace castle near Calverstown. These are undraped female figures grotesquely cut in stone, and their meaning is still a mystery, though they are associated with the belief in the Evil Eye. This one is not in its original position. It is said to be the only Sheela-na-Gig in County Kildare.

33. Skeleton Tombstone in the Franciscan Abbey at Castledermot

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1500–1550

    A broken slab in a side chapel of the Franciscan Abbey ruins at Castledermot bears an eight-armed cross with carved male and female skeletons, one accompanied by a lizard-like reptile biting the foot, the other showing worms among exposed ribs. The names James Tallon and Joan Skelton are faintly legible, with the slab dated to the early sixteenth century.

    Read the passage

    As is shown in the accompanying illustration, there are traces of an incised inscription, but it is very doubtful if they are contemporary with the sculpturing on the slab ; all that is legible are the names iames tallon and ionae (i.e., Joan) skelton.

    A curious feature in connection with the male skeleton is that alongside of it is a four-legged reptile of the “ dartlooclier ” (or lizard) type, which has the skeleton’s left foot in its mouth.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 263

34. Stanihurst visits the ancient Firehouse monument at Kildare in 1584

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1584

    Stanihurst, writing his 'Description of Ireland' in 1584, travelled to Kildare specifically to see the ancient monument known as the Firehouse, where Cambrensis said a continual fire had been kept without the ashes ever increasing.

    Read the passage

    Stanihurst, who wrote his “Description of Ireland” in 1584, says “ there was in Kildare an ancient monument named the Firehouse, wherein Cambrensis says there was a continual fire kept up night and day, and yet the ashes never increased. I travelled of set purpose to the town of Kildare to see the place, where I did see such a monument lyke a vaute, which to this day they call the Firehouse.” Brewer says, in his “ Beauties of Ireland,” published in 1825 : “A lateral part of the chapel of St. Brigid, locally termed the Firehouse, in which this ceaseless fire was maintained, is still standing near the pillar tower. It was a low and narrow cell of stone.” Edmund O’Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick from 1646 to 1654, wrote a Latin poem on the fire of Kildare ; and Moore alludes in one of the Irish Melodies to “ the bright lamp that shone in Kildare's holy fane.” It is strange that it is not mentioned by any writer of the Lives of St. Brigid. Cambrensis is the first who mentions it. In the “ Annals of Boyle,” under the date 802, Kildare is called the

    294

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Kildare now. In 1584, a writer named Stanihurst travelled here on purpose to see an ancient monument called the Firehouse. Cambrensis had written that a continual fire was kept there night and day, yet the ashes never increased. Stanihurst found what he describes as a monument like a vault, which the people still called the Firehouse. By 1825, a writer named Brewer said a stone cell, the lateral part of the chapel of St. Brigid, was still standing near the round tower, where the fire had once been maintained. He called it a low and narrow cell of stone. Oddly, no writer of the Lives of St. Brigid mentions this fire at all. Cambrensis is the first to record it. A bishop of Limerick, Edmund O'Dwyer, wrote a Latin poem about the fire of Kildare, and Moore later called it the bright lamp that shone in Kildare's holy fane.

35. Surrender of Connell Priory to the Crown, 1541

    Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1541

    On 23rd April 1541, Robert Wesley, the last Prior of Great Connell, surrendered his Monastery to the Crown, receiving a yearly pension of £13 6s. 8d. as was customary for such 'voluntary' surrenders.

    Read the passage

    On the 23rd of April, 1541, Robert Wesley, the last Prior of Connell, surrendered his Monastery to the Crown.”2 This he did “ voluntarily and with the consent of the community,” as the phrase ran ; because when the surrender was voluntary, the Prior and the Friars could come to terms, and get pensions ; if they resisted, they were forcibly evicted ; consequently almost all the surrenders of the Monasteries in Ireland were, so called, voluntary. Robert Wesley’s yearly pension was £13 6s. 8d.

    1 A Relick means a burial-ground, and “ reliceen,” or “religeen,” is a diminutive of it.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 213

36. Tuathal Techmar's Campaign Against Eochy, King of Leinster at Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 160

    Ancient tradition recounts that Tuathal Techmar, King of Ireland, successfully campaigned against his treacherous son-in-law Eochy, King of Leinster whose palace was at Naas, around 160 AD, and afterward built raths and duns to secure the region.

    Read the passage

    The combined military and religious theory is supported by ancient Irish history. We read that Tuathal Techmar, King of Ireland, after successfully concluding his campaign against his treacherous son-in-law, Eochy, King of Leinster (whose palace was at Naas), about 160 a.d., secured his power by building raths and duns about this ever-coveted region, the fertile plains between the Liffey and the Boyne. His policy was to form a chain of communication by means of raths, and to erect his duns in the religious centres of the natives, thus using their religious system in order to secure their allegiance by holding all their principal shrines in his power.

    Whatever truth there may be in such explanations, certain it is that an intimate association existed between the defensible positions and the sites to which have been attributed a religious character by ancient legends ; and it is unlikely that such an association should in so many cases be purely accidental.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are moving through ground where an old story places the palace of Eochy, King of Leinster. Around 160, Tuathal Techmar, King of Ireland, campaigned against his treacherous son-in-law Eochy and won. Afterward he secured the fertile plains between the Liffey and the Boyne by building raths and duns across the region. His policy was to form a chain of communication through the raths and to place his duns in the religious centres of the natives, holding their principal shrines in his power to secure their allegiance. Whatever truth there is in the tale, the tradition links these defensible positions to sites the old legends gave a religious character.

37. Burial of Countess Alison at the New Abbey, Kilcullen Bridge

    Kilcullen Bridge · bridge · Kildare · 1494

    Alison, wife of the Earl of Kildare and daughter of Sir Rowland Eustace, died of grief when her husband was imprisoned in the Tower of London, and was buried in the New Abbey at Kilcullen Bridge, which her father had founded.

    Read the passage

    Having been promised a pardon for these and other offences, the Earl went to Dublin, but was arrested in the evening, and sent in a bark, which had been kept in readiness, to England, the Deputy not wishing to pass judgment on him himself. For two years he was kept prisoner in the Tower of London. His wife, Alison, daughter of Sir Rowland Eustace of Harristown, Baron of Portlester, died of grief in consequence on the 22nd of November, 1494, and was buried in the New Abbey at Kilcullen Bridge, which her father had founded. By his marriage the Earl acquired the Manors of Ardglass and Strangford in the county Down, as his wife was co-heiress of her mother, Margaret Lady Portlester, who was co-heiress of Janico D’Artois, Lord of Ardglass. This property is still in the possession of a branch of the FitzGerald family which has. assumed the name of De Pos, from Lord Henry FitzGerald’s marriage with Charlotte, Baronesse DePos, in 1791.

    The Earl was at length brought for trial before King Henry VI 1. and his Council. He found confronting him the Bishops of Meath and Cashel and a host of hostile witnesses. An account of this trial is given at length in a ms. of the sixteenth century in the Lambeth Library, known as “ The Book of Howth,” as well as in Plolinshed’s “ Chronicles of Ireland”; from these sources the following details have been extracted : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Kilcullen Bridge stood the New Abbey, founded by Sir Rowland Eustace of Harristown, Baron of Portlester. His daughter Alison had married the Earl of Kildare, and through her mother, Margaret Lady Portlester, she was co-heiress to the Manors of Ardglass and Strangford in County Down. The Earl was arrested in Dublin after being promised a pardon, sent in a bark to England, and held prisoner in the Tower of London for two years. Alison died of grief on the 22nd of November 1494, and was buried in the New Abbey her father had built. The Ardglass and Strangford estates passed through the FitzGerald family, and a branch later took the name De Pos after Lord Henry FitzGerald married Charlotte, Baronesse De Pos, in 1791. The Earl was eventually brought to trial before King Henry the Seventh and his Council, where the Bishops of Meath and Cashel and a host of hostile witnesses confronted him.

38. Chancellor of Ireland taken prisoner by Birminghams near Carbury

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1368

    In 1368 Thomas Borley, Chancellor of Ireland and Prior of Kilmainham, marched against the Birminghams with a large force but was taken prisoner along with other officials, later released in exchange for a Birmingham prisoner held at Trim.

    Read the passage

    In 1368, Thomas Borley, Chancellor of Ireland and Prior of Kilmainham, with a large force, proceeded against the Birminghams. After a parley between the two sides the Birminghams took the Chancellor prisoner, and with him John Fitz Boger, Sheriff of Meath, Eobert Tyrrell, Baron of Castleknock, and many others. The Chancellor was released in exchange for James Birmingham, then a prisoner in the Castle of Trim. The other captives were ransomed.2

    In 1374 a grant of 40m. was given to “ Edward Berle for his laudable service in the reformation of the peace in Meath in company of Friar Tlios. Burley, late Chancellor of Ireland, where he was taken wounded and imprisoned by the men of Carbury.”3 Another grant gives to Bichard Crenys & Nicholas Waff re 20 m., “ because of their exertions in company of Thos. Burley . . . then, for the good of the peace in Carbury, where by the Birminghams, enemies and rebels, they were taken wounded and detained in prison until they paid a fine of 10 m., 1 hauberk, and 1 palet worth 5m.”4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 74

39. Danes plunder Kildare and carry off relic shrines in 835

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 835

    In 835 the Danes plundered Kildare and carried away the shrines containing the relics of St. Brigid and St. Conlaeth. The relics were likely saved from desecration and later, part or all of them, taken to Down.

    Read the passage

    From “ The Life of St. Bright/’ by Cogitosus, written about the year 800, we learn that the church of Kildare contained then her relics and those of St. Conlaeth, the first Bishop of Kildare. In 835 the Danes plundered Kildare, and carried away the shrines in which the relics were placed. The relics were probably saved from desecration, and part, or perhaps the whole, of them taken to Down, for it would seem that he1 was anxious to make Down a place of great importance, the capital of the northern part of Ireland ; and he supposed the transfer of the relics of the three patron saints of Ireland would aid him very much in his designs. Cardinal Vivian was sent from Rome by Pope Urban III as Legate to assist at their transfer. The day on which it took place, June 9th, was celebrated as a festival, and had a special office in the Breviary. The transfer was looked on as the fulfilment of ail ancient prophecy of St. Columkille : —

    “ My prosperity in guiltless Hy,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 199

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, you're on ground that once held one of Ireland's great churches. Around the year 800, a writer called Cogitosus tells us this church kept the relics of St. Brigid and St. Conlaeth, the first Bishop of Kildare. In 835 the Danes plundered Kildare and carried off the shrines that held those relics. The relics were probably saved from desecration, and part, or perhaps all of them, were later taken to Down. That transfer was seen as the fulfilment of an old prophecy of St. Columkille. Cardinal Vivian came from Rome, sent by Pope Urban III as Legate to assist. It took place on June 9th, a day celebrated as a festival with its own office in the Breviary.

40. Earl of Desmond imprisoned in Carbury Castle

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1466

    In 1466 Teigue O'Connor of Offaly defeated the Earl of Desmond, then Deputy Governor of Ireland, and imprisoned him along with English nobles and ecclesiastics in the Castle of Carbury.

    Read the passage

    In 1466, Teigue O’Connor of Offaly defeated the Earl of Desmond, then Deputy Governor of Ireland, and imprisoned him in the Castle of Carbury, together with several of the English nobles and ecclesiastics.

    In 1475, Meath was laid waste, by Red Hugh O’Donnell, who “demolished and burned Castle Carbury and Ballymeiler” (Mylerstown).4 As he made this foray at the invitation of O’Connor, then at war with the government, we mustpresume that, at this period, the castle was in the possession of the English. But the Birminghams still gave trouble, and further measures were deemed necessary to overawe them. An Act of the Parliament held at Naas in 1480 recites that “ it is very necessary, beneficial, and expedient that a tower or pile of the new fashion should be built at Kesshbaigne (Kishawanny), on the extreme frontier of the old march , not only in resistance of O’Conchir (O’Connor), but also for the chastisement of the Birminghams and enacts that forty pence be assessed on every plough land in the Co. Meath for that purpose.5

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 75

41. Foreclosure scheme using a fraudulent 'discoverer' at Feenagh

    Feenagh · townland · Limerick · 1777–1786

    Mortgagees Francis Dillon and John FitzGibbon, seeking to foreclose on the Henchy property at Feenagh, arranged for a coachman, John Lindsay, to pose as the genuine Protestant 'discoverer' so as to have John Hickie's earlier discovery ruled fraudulent and gain the land.

    Read the passage

    Peter FitzGibbon Henchy, the eldest son, underwent many vicissitudes. On July 14th, 1777, Mr. Francis Dillon and Mr. John FitzGibbon, being anxious to foreclose their mortgages, and to sell the Henchy property, thus proceeded to attain their end. They feared that his title might yet be impeached by a Protestant discoverer, so they consequently assigned their mortgage to John Lindsay, of Lisburn, coachman, who was acting on their behalf to obtain possession of the property as the first genuine Protestant discoverer. The final result of these proceedings was that John Lindsay obtained a decree on January 16th, 1786, on the allegation that John Hickie’s discovery was fraudulent, and was consequently adjudged to be entitled to the lands in dispute, which were sold to satisfy the claims of Francis Dillon and John FitzGibbon. Peter FitzGibbon Henchy, however, proved himself to be most successful as a Chancery barrister. Richard Lalor Sheil, in his “ Sketches of the Irish Bar,”

    410 THE O’CONNOR HENCIIYS OF STONEBROOK.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 280

42. Friar Andrew Leynagh sent as ambassador to Scotland from Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1385

    In 1385 Friar Andrew Leynagh, guardian of the house of Friars Minors at Kildare, was sent as the King's ambassador to the islands of Scotland to treat with John Lord of the Isles.

    Read the passage

    In 1310 a Provincial Chapter of the Order was held here. In 1385 Friar Andrew Leynagh, guardian of this house of Friars Minors at Kildare, was sent as the King’s ambassador to the islands of Scotland to treat with John Lord of the Isles about various matters concerning his estate.

    At the dissolution of the monasteries this house was given to David Sutton, at an annual rent of 2s. 3d.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is where the Franciscan friary once stood. In 1310 a Provincial Chapter of the Order was held here. In 1385 Friar Andrew Leynagh, guardian of this house of Friars Minors at Kildare, was sent as the King's ambassador to the islands of Scotland to treat with John, Lord of the Isles, about various matters concerning his estate.

43. Heart relic tradition at Christ Church, Dublin

    Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin

    A heart-shaped vessel was found among rubbish in the vaults of Christ Church, Dublin, believed possibly to contain the heart of St. Laurence, connecting to a tradition among the people of Eu that his heart was taken to his native country after death.

    Read the passage

    Some few years ago there was found among the rubbish in vaults of GhristOhurch, Dublin, a sort of vessel of the shape of a heart. It has been surmised that the heart of St. Laurence is or was contained therein. There is a tradition among the people of Eu that St. Laurence’s heart, immediately after his death, was taken to his native country. We know that it was not uncommon for people to leave in their wills, or when dying to ask their friends to take their heart and deposit it in some church or shrine to which they had a special devotion. The Bruce, when dying, entreated Sir James Douglas, his trusty friend, to carry his heart to Jerusalem. O’Connell ordered his heart should be taken to Rome.

    I show three photographs : one, of the vessel, on a table, showing its size; another, hanging from the roof; and a third, on the capital of a pillar.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Christ Church Cathedral, a heart-shaped vessel was found some years ago among the rubbish in the vaults. It has been surmised that the heart of St. Laurence was contained in it. There is a tradition among the people of Eu that his heart was taken to his native country immediately after his death. It was not uncommon for people to ask their friends to deposit their heart in some church or shrine to which they had a special devotion. The Bruce, when dying, asked Sir James Douglas to carry his heart to Jerusalem. O'Connell ordered his heart should be taken to Rome.

44. Kildare monastery and church sacked by the Danes in 835

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 835

    Soon after Cogitosus wrote his description of Kildare's church, the church and monastery were sacked and burned by the Danes in 835 AD.

    Read the passage

    Among the Suffragan Bishops of Ireland, the Bishop of Kildare claimed the second place next after the Bishop of Meath, the rest taking their seats according to the dates of their ordinations. A description of the church of Kildare as it existed in his day is also given to us by Cogitosus, which is of considerable interest, as it is said that we have no similar account of any other church in Ireland at that age ; and soon after it was written, the church and monastery were sacked and burned by the Danes in 835 a.d.1

    1 The Bishop of Limerick (Dr. Graves) gives very convincing reasons for placing the date of Cogitosus’ death about 670 a.d., and not about 800, as stated by Dr. Petrie and others- (See his Paper, Proceedings of R.I.A., vol. viii., p. 26).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 161

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are near the site of an early church and monastery that Cogitosus described in his day. His account is the only one of its kind for a church in Ireland at that age. Soon after he wrote it, the Danes sacked and burned the church and monastery in 835.

45. MacTail credited with Dublin's deliverance from Norse rule

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 937

    The 'Wars of the Gaidhel with the Gaill' attributes the departure of the foreign Norse ruler Amlaff from Dublin partly to the intercession of MacTail of Kilcullen.

    Read the passage

    “The foreigners [Gaill] deserted A thcliath [i.e., Amlaoibh], son of Godfrey, by the help of God and MacTail.”

    O’Donovan says of MacTail : “He was the patron saint of Kilcullen, in the County of Kildare, and of St. Michael le Pole’s Church, near Ship Street, Dublin, as is highly probable from this passage/’ And Dr. Todd suggests that “ MacTail ” may have been afterwards changed into “ Michael ” by the English, so that the original name signified MacTail’s church on the Poddle.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 296

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin has an older story beneath its streets. Around 937, the Norse ruler Amlaff, son of Godfrey, was deserted by his followers and driven from the city. The chronicle called the Wars of the Gaidhel with the Gaill credits this partly to the intercession of MacTail, patron saint of Kilcullen in County Kildare. Dr. Todd suggested the English later turned MacTail into Michael, so St. Michael le Pole's Church near Ship Street may once have been MacTail's church on the Poddle.

46. Oliver Dungan seizes Leixlip garrison for the Catholic camp

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1641

    Oliver Dungan came by night with six or seven companions to the guard of Captain White's company at Leixlip, seized the lieutenant, the men and arms, and forced them to march to the Catholic camp at Drogheda, where he was made captain.

    Read the passage

    “One Oliver Dungan, then a yonge slippe, came by night with six or seven in his companie to the courte of the guarde of this Captain White’s companie, takes the lieutenant, seized on the men and armes, did swear e to putt them all to the sworde, unless they fourthwith march with him, as with their captain, to the Catholicke campe (the Irish campe at

    'Vide Sir J. Gilbert’s “An Aphorismical Discovery of Treasonable Faction,” vol. i. p. 18.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 274

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Leixlip, there is a story from 1641. A young Oliver Dungan came by night with six or seven companions to the guard of Captain White's company. He seized the lieutenant, the men, and their arms, and swore to put them all to the sword unless they marched with him to the Catholic camp. He forced them toward Drogheda, and there he was made a captain.

47. Surviving remains of the double ditch known as 'the Rampart' near Clane

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1494–1891

    Portions of the six-foot-high double ditch ordered built in 1494 to protect Pale inhabitants still survive near Clane and Clongowes Wood College, locally known as 'the Rampart,' wide enough at the top for a cart to travel along.

    Read the passage

    There are still several portions of this double ditch six feet high remaining, one part between Clane and Clongowes, close to the south-western angle of the garden wall of the college, another part from the college farmyard to the nearer end of the by-road that leads to Bathcoffy ; both are locally known as “ the Bampart,” and are still of the original height, as some of our fox-hunting friends must know to their cost, and almost wide enough at the top for a cart to go along on them. There is a third portion near Kilcock, I have been told, and perhaps more in other parts along the line of division given above. Perhaps some of our members who reside in that part of the country may look them up and give us some information about them. This ditch would not be any great hindrance for an active person to cross it, such as an English writer who accompanied King Bichard II., in his expedition to Ireland against Art M‘Morrogh, describes the Irish to be, “ so nimble and swift of foot that like unto, stags, they ran over mountains and valleys,” and could mount a horse going at full speed. But if we bear in mind that cattle constituted the great wealth of the English colonists, and that the lifting, or ‘reeving’ of them was the principal way in which their Irish neighbours could do them

    E 2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 43

48. Thriving community and boxing school at the Moat of Ardscull

    Ardscull · townland · Kildare

    The lands around the Moat of Ardscull were once let to many small tenants, making the locality thickly inhabited, with a boxing school, ball-alley, dance-house with local piper, and sheebeen; the men were noted athletes.

    Read the passage

    The mention of the aliases of Calverstown reminds me of a story I heard more years ago than I care to number. Somewhere in or near it there existed long ago an inn called by the strange name of “ Ten of the hundred it was called so from the fact that of every hundred who put up there, only ten escaped robbery or death. At length, a man living some distance south of it was obliged to visit Dublin on business, quite an event in those days, and spent some time in his preparations. Before he started a very line and intelligent mastiff: dog, to his owner’s great regret, disappeared. On his arrival at the inn, and when preparing to go to bed, the lost dog, to his owner’s astonishment and delight, came from under it, and by every means in his power endeavoured to prevent his master from lying down. Suspecting something wrong, the man sat up awaiting events, and sometime after midnight saw to his horror the bed and the floor where it rested gradually sink and disappear into a lower apartment. Stealing through the window he got his horse, and defended by his faithful dog, made his escape. Next day a large quantity of human remains in various stages of decomposition was found in a subterranean apartment. Needless to add, the culprits were executed and the inn levelled. 1 read, with much pleasure, u Omurethi’s” account of the Moat of Ardscoll (the old people pronounced it so), in consequence of my family having had, some years ago, an interest in the lands on the western side of it. These lands, as well as those on the other sides, were let to a number of small tenants, so that the locality was formerly very thickly inhabited. I remember there a boxing school, a ball-alley, a dance-house with local piper, and of course a sheebeen. The men were proficients in all atliletic exercises, and were the finest lot of fellows I ever saw.

    I incline to Father Shearman’s opinion as to its origin and use, and to the idea that there are chambers of some sort in its interior.* 2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 187

49. Tradition of the Battle Between O'Rourkes and O'Connors near the Longstones

    Punchestown · townland · Kildare

    Local tradition holds that a sanguinary battle was fought on the spot near the Punchestown longstones between the O'Rourkes and the O'Connors, in which the chief of the latter was slain.

    Read the passage

    I think the most plausible explanation is that they were drawn and erected there from religious motives — drawn by crowds of natives over hill and dale, either on account of some religious value attributed to the granite stones themselves, or drawn from some spot, sacred in the eyes of the people, to another, where their presence would act upon the popular mind, and induce the natives to defend to the uttermost a line which the religious and military leaders had selected for their main and most effective stand before final retreat within their walled towns. There is a local tradition to the effect that on this spot a sanguinary battle was fought between the O’Rourkes and the O’Connors, in which the chief of the latter was slain.

    The combined military and religious theory is supported by ancient Irish history. We read that Tuathal Techmar, King of Ireland, after successfully concluding his campaign against his treacherous son-in-law, Eochy, King of Leinster (whose palace was at Naas), about 160 a.d., secured his power by building raths and duns about this ever-coveted region, the fertile plains between the Liffey and the Boyne. His policy was to form a chain of communication by means of raths, and to erect his duns in the religious centres of the natives, thus using their religious system in order to secure their allegiance by holding all their principal shrines in his power.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 219

50. William de Vescy holds Chancery in Kildare and faces treason charge

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1290

    In 1290 William de Vescy, Viceroy of Ireland, held his Chancery in Kildare, of which he was lord, before being accused of treason by John FitzThomas FitzGerald of Offaly and challenged to wager of battle at Westminster.

    Read the passage

    From a state document of 1272, 1 we learn that on the death of Margaret Countess of Lincoln, who had been assigned the Co. Kildare as her dower, Agnes De Yescy had taken possession of it, and of all the profits arising from pleas, and of the seal and appointment of bailiffs. This act was contested by the other heiresses. But, in 1278, the king directed full possession to be given to Agnes;2 and, in 1283, again wrote directing the Treasurer of Ireland to carry out his writ in favour of her. In 1290, William de Yescy, the grandson of Agnes, was Yiceroy of Ireland, and held his Chancery in Kildare, of which he was lord. John FitzThomas Fitz Gerald of Offally accused him of treason, and offered to maintain his charge by wager of battle. Edward 1 . summoned both to Westminster, and De Yescy came mounted and fully armed for the combat. Fitz Thomas did not appear, but was exonerated, and a compromise effected. De Yescy surrendered his Irish estates to the king, having secured his Northumberland property for his illegitimate son, “ the Master of Kildare.” His Irish estates were divided between William de Wellesly and FitzThomas, who soon after was created Earl of Kildare, a.d. 1316.3 Another version, much more popular in Ireland, makes De Yescy shirk the combat and fly into France, whereupon the king declared Fitz Thomas innocent, and, saying, “ Albeit De Yescy conveyed his person into France, he left his lands behind him in Ireland,” granted them to the baron of Offaly.4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    In Kildare town in 1290, William de Vescy, Viceroy of Ireland, held his Chancery here, for he was lord of Kildare. He was the grandson of Agnes de Vescy, who had seized the county after the death of Margaret, Countess of Lincoln, when it had been assigned to her as dower. The king confirmed Agnes's hold in 1278 and again in 1283. John FitzThomas FitzGerald of Offaly accused de Vescy of treason and offered to prove it by wager of battle. Edward the First summoned both men to Westminster. De Vescy arrived mounted and fully armed, but FitzThomas did not appear. FitzThomas was exonerated and a compromise was reached. De Vescy surrendered his Irish estates to the king, having first secured his Northumberland property for his illegitimate son, known as the Master of Kildare. His Irish lands were divided between William de Wellesly and FitzThomas, who was created Earl of Kildare in 1316. A more popular Irish version says de Vescy fled to France to avoid the fight, and the king declared FitzThomas innocent, saying, "Albeit de Vescy conveyed his person into France, he left his lands behind him in Ireland," and granted them to the baron of Offaly.

51. Red Hugh O'Donnell burns Castle Carbury and Ballymeiler

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1475

    In 1475 Red Hugh O'Donnell laid waste to Meath, demolishing and burning Castle Carbury and Ballymeiler (Mylerstown) at the invitation of O'Connor, then at war with the government.

    Read the passage

    In 1475, Meath was laid waste, by Red Hugh O’Donnell, who “demolished and burned Castle Carbury and Ballymeiler” (Mylerstown).4 As he made this foray at the invitation of O’Connor, then at war with the government, we mustpresume that, at this period, the castle was in the possession of the English. But the Birminghams still gave trouble, and further measures were deemed necessary to overawe them. An Act of the Parliament held at Naas in 1480 recites that “ it is very necessary, beneficial, and expedient that a tower or pile of the new fashion should be built at Kesshbaigne (Kishawanny), on the extreme frontier of the old march , not only in resistance of O’Conchir (O’Connor), but also for the chastisement of the Birminghams and enacts that forty pence be assessed on every plough land in the Co. Meath for that purpose.5

    In 1537, King Henry VIII. sent Commissioners to Ireland, “ for the reducing of the said land to civilitie and obedience and the advancement of the publique weal of the same.” The commissioners proceeded to the county of Kildare ; and among many other reports presented to them was that of Oliver Sutton of Richardstown. In this he complains of the oppression of the English landholders by William Brmycham of Carbery. This

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 75

52. Austin Cooper's 1781 Survey of Great Connell Abbey Ruins

    Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1781

    Antiquary Austin Cooper visited Great Connell Abbey on 14 May 1781, describing the ruins as heavily decayed, with only two Gothic windows intact, a broken bishop's tomb buried among the ruins, and a decayed mill house nearby.

    Read the passage

    “ The Abbey of Great Connell is so decayed that scarcely any descriptive account can be given of its remaining ruins. One part, which 1 suppose to be both nave and choir, but between which no distinct separation can be made, measures about 200 feet long and 25 feet broad, in part whereof are two entire Gothic windows, the only ones which have resisted the ravages of time, &c.

    “ There are very extensive ruins adjoining, in which are some pillars, &c. , with curious capitals. In the choir are the remains of some stalls, and buried among the ruins is the tomb of a bishop (I suppose Wellesley) in relievo, in his robes, with a canopy over his head ; it is broke across the neck, and the lower part is scarcely to be seen.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 215

53. Battle of Pilltown identified

    Piltown · town · Kilkenny · 1462

    The author identifies the earlier-mentioned battle as the battle of Pilltown, County Kilkenny, fought in 1462 between the two rival Earls, in which the Earl of Ormond was defeated.

    Read the passage

    “ As long as the aforesaid statute was kept, the land was in good prosperity and obeyed the king’s laws, but soon after the departure of the said Duke, he left the same yeare into England, the great lords, as well of Munster as Leinster, then being in great wealth, and growing into great name and authority, as John Fitz Thomas, then created Earl of Kildare, James Butler, created Earl of Ormond, and Maurice Fitz- Thomas, created Earl of Desmond, having division amongst themselves, began to make alterage with Irishmen for their strength to resist (each) other, and disdained to take punishments of knights, being the Viceroys, Justices, or Deputies for the time; by reason of which division the Earls of Ormond and of Desmond, by strength of Irish on both sides, fought together in battle, in King Henry VII. ’s days, in which battle the good men of the town of Kilkenny, with many others, were slain.” The reference is, no doubt, to the battle

    58

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

54. Birmingham holds Carrick-Oris castle, not Carbury

    Carrick · townland · Kildare · 1305

    In 1305 Sir Piers de Birmingham held the castle of Carrick, or Carrick-Oris (Oris being Irish for Piers), rather than the castle of Carbury itself, marking the family's presence in the district before their later dominance of Carbury.

    Read the passage

    In 1295, Peter Baron of Thetmoy is eighth on the Parliament roll of Barons. In the next century, we find the Birminghams in the barony of Carbury. In 1305, Sir Piers de Birmingham held the castle, not of Carbury but of Carrick, or Carrick-Oris — Oris being the Irish for Piers. He is known to history as the “treacherous Baron.” In that year he invited some of the O’Connors of Offaly to dine with him on Trinity Sunday, which, on account of Trinity Well, has always been a great festival in that district, and, just when they rose from table, had them

    1 Yol. iv., N.S., p. 344. 2 “ Cal. State Doc.,” No. 2232.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

55. Birth of St. Laurence O'Toole at Garbh Tameach

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1127

    St. Laurence O'Toole was born in 1127, very probably at Garbh Tameach, near Castledermot, where his father Muircheartach lived. He was baptized in the church of St. Bridget at Kildare through special reverence for the saint.

    Read the passage

    The first who bore the name was Duncuan, who was made king of Leinster by King Malachy II. He was slain by Mac Gilla Patrick, at Leighlin, in 1015. The tribes of the O’Tooles and the Mac Gilla Patricks seem to have been incessantly at war with each other at this time. Under date 1141 we read in the Annals of the Four Masters : — “ Dermot McMorrough practised great tyranny and cruelty upon the Leinster nobility. He killed Donnell, lord of Hy Faelan, and Morrough O’Toole, with others.” ThisMorrough had a brother Muircheartach, who was elected king of Hy Muireadhaigh in 1183 ; lie died in 1164, and is thus noted in the Annals of the Four Masters: — “Muircheartach Ua Tuathail, lord of Ui- Muireadhaigh, and chief of Leinster in hospitality and prowess, died after penance.” He lived at Garbh Tameach,1 near Castledermot, and at Brittas in Imaile.

    This Muircheartach (or Murtagh) was the father of St. Laurence. The saint’s mother was the daughter of Bran O’Byrne of Hy Faelan.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 106

56. Consecration of Laurence as Archbishop in Christ Church

    Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1162–1163

    Laurence was consecrated Archbishop of Dublin in Christ Church in 1162 by Gelasius the Primate, and the following year introduced the Canons of St. Victor into the Church.

    Read the passage

    In 1157, in his thirtieth year, on the death of the Abbot Gilla-da-Naomh, Laurence was chosen to take his place. On the death of Gregory, Archbishop of Dublin, four years later, Laurence, whose holiness and prudence had already become well known, was chosen unanimously to succeed him. He was consecrated in Christ Church in 1162, by Gilla MacDe, better known as Gelasius the Primate, and the following year he introduced into the Church the Canons of St. Victor, called Aroasians, from Aroase. He became a member of their community, observing most strictly all that the rule prescribed.

    Of his many virtues the most remarkable was his love of the poor, thirty of whom he used to supply with food at his own table every day, while he had sometimes as many as three hundred orphans and waifs to provide for.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Christ Church Cathedral, Laurence was consecrated Archbishop of Dublin in 1162. He had already served as abbot since 1157, chosen at the age of thirty on the death of Abbot Gilla-da-Naomh. When Archbishop Gregory died four years later, Laurence was chosen unanimously to succeed him, his holiness and prudence already well known. Gelasius the Primate, whose Irish name was Gilla MacDe, performed the consecration. The following year Laurence brought the Canons of St. Victor into the Church, called Aroasians from Aroase, and himself joined their community, keeping their rule most strictly. He was remembered above all for his love of the poor, feeding thirty each day at his own table, with sometimes as many as 300 orphans and waifs in his care.

57. Death and burial of Maurice FitzGerald, builder of Sligo Castle

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1254–1257

    A Book of Hours records the death of Maurice FitzGerald, 2nd Baron of Offaly, who introduced the Franciscans and Dominicans into Ireland and built a castle at Sligo in 1243.

    Read the passage

    Its great interest, to me, was that it contains various records of births and deaths of the FitzGerald family. The entries occur principally in the calendar, rather on the principle of a modern “ birthday book,” but also on fly-leaves and at the top or bottom of the pages. The book is bound in boards of wood — the cover is now a rough calf, but evidently there had been velvet over it. The clasps are gone. It contains 256 pages in vellum, of 104 inches by 7J-, and seventythree miniatures, very beautifully painted, of various saints. The initial letters are also very lovely. The entries are not all written in the same hand. After one of them is written “ Symon Barnewall wrote theis.” The first record appears on fly-leaf No. 8, but it is not the earliest in date which occurs in the calendar. I give them in chronological order, beginning with ‘‘May 28, 1254/’ the death of “ Maurice filius Geraldi, qui primus induxit fres ordinis predicatorum et mor (?) et edificavit cast™ de Slygagh.” This evidently is Maurice, 2nd Baron of Offaley, who in 1215 introduced into Ireland the order of the Franciscans, and the next year that of the Dominicans; and who in 1243 built a castle at Sligo. Here there is a slight discrepancy. What looks like “8” may represent “0,” and it is easy to mistake “ 4 ” and “7” — for in “The Earls of Kildare” it appears this Maurice died May 20, 1257.

    2. The next date is July 20, 1286 : — “ Obiit Geraldus filius Maurice dus de Offaley apud Rathmore 20 Julii, 1286, et sepeletur in mon mi or de Kyld.” This must refer to Gerald FitzMaurice, 4th Baron of Offaly (grandson of the last-mentioned baron), who died at Rathmore, and was buried at Kildare in 1287. This discrepancy is easily accounted for, being only one year different.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 292

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are moving through a town with a FitzGerald story in it. A Book of Hours, written on vellum with seventy-three painted miniatures of saints, records the death of Maurice FitzGerald, 2nd Baron of Offaly. The entry says he was the one who first introduced the friars of the Order of Preachers into Ireland, and built the castle of Sligo. Maurice introduced the Franciscans into Ireland in 1215 and the Dominicans the next year, and he built his castle here at Sligo in 1243. The Book of Hours gives his death as May 28, 1254, but another source, The Earls of Kildare, places it on May 20, 1257. The old handwriting makes it easy to mistake a 4 for a 7, so the truth is uncertain. Either way, the man who built Sligo Castle and brought two great mendicant orders to Ireland died in the mid-1250s, and his passing was noted in a beautiful prayer book kept by his family.

58. Discovery of the Leixlip spa well, 1793

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1793

    A spa well by the side of the canal opposite Leixlip railway station was first discovered by workmen excavating the Grand Canal in 1793; the Canal Company directed the spring's flow into a cut-stone basin, and it was much resorted to by Dubliners at the start of the century.

    Read the passage

    By the side of the canal, opposite to the Leixlip railway station, is a spa well. It was first discovered by the workmen employed in excavating the Grand Canal in 1793 ; the Canal Company secured the flow of the spring by directing its course to the neighbouring bank, under which it was conveyed into a cut-stone basin. At the beginning of this century it was much resorted to by Dubliners, and for a time rivalled the Spa in Captain Yesey’s demesne at Lucan. The following extract, taken from The Irish Times of the 12th September, 1898, gives an idea of the vast numbers who had faith in the curative power of the Lucan Spa water. The Irish Times quotes as follows from an Irish paper of 1794: —

    “A gentleman confined to his room undertook last Sunday, for his amusement, to make an estimate of the number of persons who on that day passed through Leixlip on their way to the new Lucan Spa, for which purpose he placed himself in his window at six o’clock in the morning, with pen, ink, and paper ; and between that hour and five o’clock in the afternoon he reckoned 55 coaches, 29 post-chaises, 25 noddies, 82 jaunting-cars, 20 gigs, 6 open landaus, 221 common cars, with company, and 450 horsemen, in addition to pedestrians.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 278

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Leixlip, there is a spa well by the side of the canal, opposite the railway station. It was first discovered by workmen excavating the Grand Canal in 1793. The Canal Company secured the flow of the spring by directing its course to the neighbouring bank, and from there it was conveyed into a cut-stone basin. At the beginning of the century it was much resorted to by Dubliners, and for a time it rivalled the Spa in Captain Yesey's demesne at Lucan. The crowds that passed through Leixlip on their way to the new Lucan Spa were remarkable. An Irish paper of 1794, quoted by The Irish Times on the 12th of September 1898, reported that a gentleman confined to his room placed himself at his window at six o'clock in the morning with pen, ink, and paper, and between that hour and five in the afternoon he reckoned 55 coaches, 29 post-chaises, 25 noddies, 82 jaunting-cars, 20 gigs, 6 open landaus, 221 common cars with company, and 450 horsemen, in addition to pedestrians.

59. Dongans fight for James II at the Battle of the Boyne

    near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 1690

    The Dongan family, Jacobites and Earls of Limerick, fought at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690; Walter Dongan, only son of the Earl of Limerick, was killed in the battle.

    Read the passage

    Sir William Talbot, Bart., of Carton,1 which he had on lease from the 14th Earl of Kildare, then living in Maynootli Castle. Sir John’s will was proved in 1663. His eldest son, Sir Walter, was one of the Confederate Catholics of Kilkenny, but, dying without issue, his brother Sir William became the 4th baronet. On the 14th of February, 1661, Sir William Dongan was created Viscount Dongan of Clane, and on the 2nd January, 1685, Earl of Limerick.2 The Dongans were Jacobites, and at the Battle of the Boyne, in 1690, the Earl of Limerick fought, as well as his only son, Walter, who was killed in the battle. After the treaty of Limerick, signed in October, 1691, the Earl and his wife, Euphemia (a French lady), left Ireland and retired to France, thereby forfeiting his great estates. His death took place in 1698, when his brother, Colonel Thomas Dongan, succeeded to the Earldom, which became extinct on his death, on the 14th of December, 1715.

    The successors of the Dongan family, about the end of the seventeenth century, were the Conollys.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 258

60. Earl's letter to the Gherardini family sent from Castledermot Castle

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1507

    In 1507 the Earl of Kildare wrote a letter from his Castle in Castledermot to the Gherardini family of Florence, tracing his ancestry and describing his possessions and titles in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    know the favour of the fraternal love that you bare to your own blood. But in order to increase your joy still more, I will briefly inform you of the state of your relations in these parts. Know, then, that my predecessors and ancestors passed from France into England, and having remained there for sometime, they, in the year 1140, 1 * arrived in this island of Ireland, and by their swords obtained great possessions, and achieved great feats of arms ; and up to the present day have increased and multiplied into many branches and families, insomuch that I, by the Grace of God, possess by hereditary right the Earldom, and am Earl of Kildare, holding diverse castles and manors, and by the liberality of our most serene Lord the King of England, I am now his Deputy in the whole of Ireland, during the pleasure of his majesty, an honour frequently obtained heretofore by my father and my predecessors. There is also a relation of ours in these parts called the Earl of Desmond,3 under whose lordship there are 100 miles, in length of country. Our house has increased beyond measure, in a multitude of barons, knights, and noble persons, holding many possessions, and having under their command many persons. We are most desirous to know the deeds of your ancestors, so that if you have in your possession any history, we request you to communicate it to us. We wish to know the origin of our house, and their numbers, and the names of our ancestors ; whether there are any of them settled in France, and who of our family inhabit the Roman territory. I also wish to know the transactions of the present time, for it gives me great joy always to hear news of our house. If there is anything we can procure for you through our labour and industry, or anything that you have not got, such as hawks, falcons, horses, or dogs for the chase, I heg you will inform me of it, as I shall, in every possible way, endeavour to obey your wishes. God be with you, and do you love us in return. From our Castle of Castledermot, 27th day of May, 1507.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 89